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Team news and starting line-ups for Bradford Bulls v Hull FC at Odsal in Super League on Sunday, August 17 (kick-off 3pm). Read a match report and reaction at full-time.Hull FC LEE Radford has made two changes to his squad for the trip to Odsal with Jordan Rankin returning after missing the St Helens clash through injury. Rankin is joined in the squad by hooker James Cunningham, who comes in for Aaron Heremaia following the Kiwi's minor operation this week on a knee injury. Cunningham is expected to play, but Rankin will face stiff competition to regain his place in front of Richard Horne and Jordan Abdull.Possible Hull FC line-up:: Shaul; Lineham, Whiting, Yeaman, Talanoa; Horne, Rankin; Paea, Houghton, Watts; Hadley, Ellis; Westerman.Subs: Abdull, Bowden, Cunningham, Green, Paleaaesina, Sa.Bradford The Bulls, meanwhile, make three changes to their squad with the experienced trio of Jamie Foster, Matt Diskin and Brett Kearney all fit again. Hull loan players Joe Arundel and Jay Pitts have both been named in the squad and look set to feature against their parent club.Possible Bradford: Kearney; Kear, Henry, Arundel, Williams; Gaskell, Gale; Manuokafoa, Sidlow, O'Brien; Olbison, Pitts; Donaldson.Subs: Addy, Baldwinson, Blythe, Diskin, Ferguson, Foster.Players to watch THE 2014 season could have looked much different for Hull FC and Bradford Bulls if the proposed move for Luke Gale had materialised. Hull were interested in Gale back in pre-season and with the Bulls struggling with ownership issues and a then-impending points deduction the Black and Whites tried their hand. Gale wasn't convinced and instead opted to commit himself to the Bulls. Hull could have done with his services this year, but as they look ahead will feel happy they have landed Marc Sneyd. Despite a difficult season for the Bulls, Gale has still managed to further his reputation and will once again be a key cog in the Bradford machine tomorrow. At opposite ends of their career, Richard Horne is now a man playing with the freedom of knowing each performance will be his last-ever against that side. Odsal hasn't always been a happy hunting ground for Horne in his career and the scene of some games he'd like to forget, but he'll be determined to make sure this last trip to Odsal is one to remember. Against St Helens last time out Horne was terrific. With possibly just four games of a 16-year career left, the stand-off will hope he can bow out in style with a repeat display.Bradford form guide IT'S amazing what the confirmation of relegation can do for you. Under the pressure of trying to save a season that always looked doomed from the outset, Bradford struggled for form and results, even following the immediate arrival of new coach James Lowes. With their relegation finally rubber- stamped, it is as if a weight has been lifted off the lid at Odsal and in the past few weeks Bradford have played with freedom, ending a six-game losing streak. Having beaten Wigan at home they responded by defeating Leeds in a derby at Headingley.Bradford last time out IN the last West Yorkshire derby for possibly some time, Lee Gaskell's late try was the difference as Bradford beat Leeds Rhinos 20-14 at Headingley. Bradford took a fifth-minute lead through on-loan winger Danny Williams, but it was soon wiped out by Mitch Achurch's effort. Tries from Luke Gale and Brett Delaney kept the game tight. Gale's penalty gave the Bulls the advantage but Luke Briscoe appeared to have given the Rhinos a win late on, only for Gaskell to send the away fans home happy with a late converted try.

Bradford Bulls v Hull FC: Team news and preview

A WOMAN says police took 40 minutes to reach her after two men attacked her family with baseball bats at home.

The east Hull family had been watching a television crime show when the thugs walked into their living room through the unlocked front door.

They say officers were called at 9.04pm on Friday, August 8, but a patrol did not arrive at the scene in Brigham Grove, off Marfleet Lane, until 9.45pm.

Humberside Police has defended the response time, citing the absence of serious injuries and the fact the attackers had already made off in a car when the 999 call was made.

However, the 57-year-old victim, who did not want to be named for fear of reprisals, said: "If that was Humberside Police's fast response, I would hate to see the slowest.

"I am disgusted it took so long for police to respond to a 999 call.

"I told the police if it had been a paedophile or an informer who had just been attacked, they would have arrived within a few minutes."

She said her family were stunned when the intruders walked in.

"I know I shouldn't have, but I left the front door unlocked," she said.

"We were all watching TV when two men, who were both carrying baseball bats, walked in and demanded cash.

"When I told them I didn't have any, they grabbed my bag, then hit me on my right leg with a bat. I've got a great big bruise now.

"My hand was also hit as I tried to fend them off."

The intruders then turned their attention to the woman's 46-year-old brother and 65-year-old brother-in-law.

The woman said: "They hit my brother-in-law in the face with a bat. His face is all bruised.

"He is classed as a vulnerable adult, because he has learning difficulties.

"My brother was hit over the head, also with a bat, and he has a big lump."

Once the men had fled the scene, taking with them a pink bag containing an unknown sum of cash, she used her brother's phone to call police.

"I told the 999 operator what had happened and was told police were en route to us," she said. "I remember looking at the clock when they finally arrived – it was 9.45pm."

The woman, who has lived in the street for 16 years, admitted being vocal when officers arrived.

"I was shouting at them," she said. "But that's only because I was upset that it had taken 40 minutes for them to turn up. I did apologise for my reaction.

"My brother-in-law was the one who was hurt the most and the police told me we could wait for an ambulance, which might take a long time, or they could give us a lift to the hospital."

She accompanied her brother- in-law to Hull Royal Infirmary's A&E department, where he was checked and treated for bruising.

"I can't fault the police officers who turned up," she said.

"They were fine with us. But I am still really angry it took so long for them to arrive. It's not good enough."

The woman said neither she nor her family recognised the men.

"But one of them had a blue hoodie pulled over his face and the other had a khaki baseball cap pushed down over his face," she said.

A Humberside Police spokesman said officers have taken statements and completed house-to-house enquiries, while forensic officers attended to gather evidence.

No arrests have been made. The men are believed to have made off in a silver taxi.

Anyone with information should call police on 101, quoting reference number 2061301.

Hull family say police took 40 minutes to arrive after intruders with baseball bats burst in as they watched TV

Mark Fewings casts an eye over Hull City players' performances in their 1-0 win over QPR.Allan McGregorStarman Came up trumps when it mattered most with a key match-winning penalty save. Cleared his lines without fuss both before and after. 8Curtis Davies Led his side as he always does, by putting his body on the line. Found the pace of Remy had to combat in first half, but came up with crucial blocks as game ended frantically. 7James Chester Almost went from hero to zero when goal was followed by harshly awarded penalty against him, but deserved to be on winning side for all-action display. 7Alex Bruce Forced off with a back problem at half-time, but it hadn't shown in opening 45 minutes as he came up with a handful of timely interventions during City's slow start to clash. 6Ahmed Elmohamady His persistence came up trumps in the end when winning the corner which led to the goal. Always had beating of Armand Traore down the flank. 7Andrew Robertson Capped a great Premier League debut with a very important clearance off the line. Always looked to get forward but never in trouble when tracking back. 7Tom Huddlestone Started slowly but once he settled his passing range opened up QPR defence time and again. Chipped in defensively when late onslaught arrived. 7Jake Livermore Anchored the midfield triangle well by breaking up play and stifling the threat of Joey Barton by getting in his face. 7Robert Snodgrass Went off injured with a twisted knee problem and could be a big loss if ruled out for a significant period of time. Had looked for ball in tight areas prior to ligament damage. 6Tom Ince Came to life in the second half when pressing the home defence further up the field. Should have scored when one-on-one after great Quinn pass. 7Nikica Jelavic Struggled in stages when starved of possession, but continued to plug away and would have won penalty on any other day. 6Subs benchStephen Quinn (for Snodgrass 40): Added the vital link which was missing between midfield and attack, allowing Ince and Jelavic to get more on the ball. 7Paul McShane (for Bruce 45): Steady as a rock and proved he can be relied upon with typical all-action effort. 7David Meyler (for Ince 82): Did the job he was asked to as City rode storm to claim three points. 6 Not used: Steve Harper (GK), Maynor Figueroa, Robbie Brady, Sone Aluko

QPR 0 Hull City 1: Player ratings

HULL FC crashed to a 14th defeat of the season as the relegated Bradford Bulls virtually ended the Black and Whites' already slim play-off hopes. A 34-28 defeat at Odsal was even harder to stomach with three of the tries coming from Hull loan players Joe Arundel and Jay Pitts. Hull had started well and looked bright in taking a 12-0 lead but were wasteful in possession first half and poor defensively second half as the Bulls cut them open. Hull were ahead inside the opening five minutes thanks to Jamie Shaul's support play and a terrific off-load by Dean Hadley which put the full-back through by the posts. Having weathered the Bulls storm and that of a torrential downpour, Hull had a second on the quarter mark thanks to Fetuli Talanoa's ball steal on Adam Henry and the power of captain Gareth Ellis, who was unstoppable from three meters out. With Joe Westerman converting both the Black and Whites had a useful 12-point advantage which looked in no danger of being eroded until Richard Horne and Shaul collided when trying to collect Luke Gale's testing bomb. The result was a mess by the Hull defence and a try for ex-FC player Jamie Foster, which he then converted. Then with half-time approaching, the Bulls cut the gap to just to points with Arundel, on loan from Hull, holding off the challenge of Tom Lineham to win a footrace to the corner. Lee Radford's side held the advantage, but with the wind at their backs and enough openings it should have been greater and they were made to pay when Adam Sidlow scored soon after the re-start to hand the Bulls the lead. If Sidlow's score was a wake-up call nobody was listening because with 10 minutes the Bulls had moved into a 10-point lead and to make matters worse it was a second for Arundel and a try for fellow loan man Pitts that did the damage. A second score for Ellis threatened to get Hull back into the game, but the Bulls responded through Danny Addy and while Hull finished with late tries from Setaimata Sa and Lineham, it was too late to salvage anything from the game.

Bradford Bulls 34 Hull FC 28: Match report

SOMETIMES you have to ride your luck to get three points. On other occasions, you need to show some grit and a bit of character. And you usually need to make the most of the chances which come your way, too. At Loftus Road, City did all of the above (and more) to come away with an opening day victory against a QPR side which will spring a few surprises on their return to the top flight this season. As well as some heroic blocks, there was a penalty save, a timely tackle by Ahmed Elmohamady and one or two goal-line clearances to thank for securing all three points. Throw in some questionable refereeing decisions and this game had the lot. On the balance of it, QPR probably deserved a draw for their attacking efforts. Happily, it was City who banked the profits after an entertaining affair. So, whilst James Chester may have stolen the headlines with an eye-catching display which put him slap bang in the middle of the two key moments, it was a team display which ultimately took the Tigers over the finish line. Rising highest to head home his 52nd-minute match-winner from a Stephen Quinn corner, having lost the close attention of former England international Rio Ferdinand, Chester opened his account for the season with a smile. It was soon wiped from his face just over 25 minutes later when he almost went from hero to zero. Harshly adjudged to have handled Junior Hoilett's ball into the box, he was clearly surprised to see referee Craig Pawson point to the spot. Fortunately, Tigers stopper Allan McGregor came up with another opening day penalty save, following on from Chelsea last season, when blocking Charlie Austin's poorly-taken spot-kick low down to his right. It turned out to be the first of many big saves in the closing stages as the home side laid siege to the City goal, with Loic Remy denied twice by the Scottish international keeper, before Curtis Davies and Chester came up with key blocks to thwart a late onslaught. In truth, it was a grandstand finish no-one could have seen coming after an opening 45 minutes in which City started slowly and might have been behind had it not been for the timely intervention of new £2.85m signing Andrew Robertson. Handed his Premier League debut at left wing-back, the 20-year-old former Dundee United man was the back-post hero in the right place at the right time to clear Steven Caulker's header off the line from a corner just before the half-time break. Prior to that, he had not really been called upon defensively even though City had soaked up large spells of pressure from a home attack which was well led by the pace of Remy. With Austin and the lively Jordon Mutch looking to get on the end of his link-up play, City had ridden an early storm. Dropping deep and causing the Tigers' defence to look unsettled, Mutch's run from halfway should have brought more reward after 15 minutes. As it was, his neat ball to Austin failed to get a decent return pass, stifling the counter-attack before Remy's weak shot was smothered by McGregor. Alejandro Faurlin's turn and shot went closer still as Rangers began to get the upper hand in a passing affair where there was very little room for City to get in behind early on. With Ferdinand comfortably marshalling the home defence, the Tigers' best chance looked to be from a set-piece but their early corners were wasteful as QPR lapped up the aerial battle. Starved of any real sight of the ball, Nikica Jelavic saw his strong claim for a penalty waved away by Pawson when clearly shoved in back by Armand Traore when bearing down on goal. On another day, it would have been given, no doubt about it. Having got to half-time still on level terms, but without new £8m signing Robert Snodgrass because of a twisted knee after 40 minutes, the Tigers came out for the second period with renewed vigour and were rewarded by Chester's opener. Where the pace of QPR had previously looked to be a problem, City were now more in the face of their rivals and the introduction of Stephen Quinn for Snodgrass provided them with the missing link between midfield and their attack. It almost paid off on the hour mark when great interplay between Quinn and Ince put the debutant clean through with only Rob Green to beat in the QPR goal. Unfortunately, his shot lacked conviction and Green easily beat it away when 2-0 would have been a fair reflection for a fast start to the second period. When Jelavic's volley was deflected over for a corner with 15 minutes to go, it signalled a late and constant fightback by the Hoops, inspired by Joey Barton and his constant probing balls into the box. Chester headed one ball over the box, Davies got a block on Remy and then the penalty which never should have been was kept out by McGregor. And just when it looked as though QPR were done, back they came for more, only for substitute Bobby Zamora to see his pocket picked by Elmohamady when just 10 yards out. There was even time for Livermore to blaze over the bar in added-on time after his never-say-die tackling earned him a run on goal which deserved a better finish. Not that you would have heard any of the travelling 1,376 City fans complaining. They were just happy to get the season started with a win. Just another nine more are needed now to let them breathe even easier.

Hull City analysis: A little luck and a lot of grit secures three points against QPR

Jamie Shaul: While his opening try of the game handed Hull a good start, his try-saving tackle on Luke Gale was even more impressive as he saved a certain try. 6 Tom Lineham: Finished the game with a try in the dying seconds but found the majority of his runs thwarted by an enthusiastic Bradford defence. 6 Richard Whiting: Taken off in the second half, the centre knows he needed to do better for Joe Arundel's second try. 5 Kirk Yeaman: Came out the line with a couple of familiar big hits but was inconspicuous in attack with little ball. 6 Fetuli Talanoa: Showed the type of effort that he's become known for, but the impact was minimal as Hull's backs became passengers in the second half. 6 Jordan Abdull: After a run of good performance in the team the youngster struggled to make any sort of impact on the match and was taken off in the second half. 5 Richard Horne: Having given a season-best performance last time out against St Helens, there were no such highs again from Horne. There were good moments, but errors too as he failed to spark his side. 6 Liam Watts: Hull's best prop, the forward started the game brightly and took it up to the Bulls, but faded a little in the second half. 7 Danny Houghton: Making the most of a quick play-the-ball by Liam Watts, the hooker darted over for what looked a certain second-half try, only to see the referee say he was held up. 7 Mickey Paea: Not as effective as Hull would have hoped for, he was always involved but didn't have the impact to break the Bulls defence. 6 Gareth Ellis: The captain is on the verge of agreeing a new deal at Hull and gave a performance that others should have followed. Scored two tries and worked tirelessly. 7 Dean Hadley: Having done well to break the line early in the match, the second rower produced a deft hand-off to Jamie Shaul to send the full-back over for his first try of the match. 6 Joe Westerman: The loose-forward has not had many bad games this season and while many of his team-mates were struggling he did well and kicked the ball well too. 7 Chris Green: His introduction to match started with a bang, taking three Bulls defenders with him as he made great ground before handing the ball off. 6 Iafeta Paleaaesina: Tried to bring a spark to the Hull attack in the second-half but found the Bulls more than a match for his aggressive runs. 6 Jordan Rankin: Brought on far too late in the game, the Aussie lit up the Hull attack with his elusive running game. A bright cameo performance. 7 Setaimata Sa: Like Rankin, Sa should have come on earlier. He arrived at centre and immediately had the Bulls on the back foot with his explosive style, while also tackling hard. 7

Bradford Bulls 34-28 Hull FC: Player Ratings

STEVE Bruce hopes the emerging talents of Andrew Robertson and Tom Ince can take Hull City to new heights in the Premier League this season. Robertson made an impressive top-flight debut for the Tigers in their 1-0 win at QPR, coming up with a key goal-line clearance and some neat attacking play, just two years after plying his trade as a part-timer at Queen's Park. Much like City, Ince started quietly at Loftus Road before springing to life in a second half where he could have opened his account had he not fluffed a one-on-one with QPR keeper Robert Green. Luckily, the Tigers had already got a foothold in the game through James Chester's header in the 52nd minute and they held on to win after weathering a late onslaught. However, the application of the duo on their full league debuts impressed Bruce, particularly Robertson who looked calm and composed in attack and unruffled in defence following his move from Dundee United. "He is only 20 years old and two years ago he was playing for Queen's Park, so to come and play in the Premier League, I thought he was excellent," said the City boss. "He came up with a big goal-line clearance and did very well. "We have made a conscious effort to bring in some good young players. "Tom is a good player. He could have scored two if he was a bit more clinical, but he is only a young player and we have to make allowances. But he certainly has all the attributes to be a very good player for us." In a game where the scoreline did not reflect the number of key incidents, City saw their appeals for a penalty turned down when Nikica Jelavic was shoved in the back during the first half. With five minutes left to play, they then felt even more aggrieved when a spot-kick was given against Chester for a handball in the box which looked to be accidental. Perplexed by the decisions of referee Craig Pawson, Bruce believes it is the interpretation of the rules which needs to be addressed before it ends up proving costly. Bruce said: "He's got his hand by his side, the ball is a yard away and when the fella hits it, it is probably travelling at 50 miles per hour. What is he supposed to do? "We need to stop all this nonsense and start having a bit of common sense. "Twenty years ago, back in my day, that would never have been a penalty. There's been no amendments to the rules, apart from if you come running out and acting like a goalkeeper, but big games could be decided by something like that. That would have been unfair and unjust on Chester, who had an outstanding game. "The one in the first half on Jelavic looked far more of a penalty, but there we have it."

Steve Bruce delighted with new Hull City pair Tom Ince and Andrew Robertson after QPR win

HULL City face an anxious wait to find out the extent of new signing Robert Snodgrass's injury after he damaged his knee in the Premier League opening game against QPR. Snodgrass has been one of manager Steve Bruce's key summer signings and has impressed since joining City from Norwich for £7m. But after he pulled up with a twisted knee before half time in the 1-0 win at QPR, there are concerns he may be sidelined for several weeks. Bruce confirmed yesterday that Snodgrass has suffered knee ligament damage and will undergo a scan to investigate the extent of the damage. Snodgrass left Loftus Road in a brace and on crutches. Meanwhile defender Alex Bruce is unlikely to travel to Belgium this week for City's Europa League play-off game against Lokeren after also suffering a knee injury. Bruce also had to leave the game against QPR being replaced at half time after a solid first half performance. He is doubtful for the Lokeren game and is likely to be rested. The Tigers continue their European exploits with the short trip to Belgium on Thursday. All 1,236 away tickets for the first away leg sold within 24-hours. City return to Premier League action against Stoke City at the KC on Sunday.

Hull City injury update: Scan for Robert Snodgrass and Alex Bruce unlikely for Lokeren

A SIX-year-old boy battling an aggressive form of leukaemia has vowed: "I will kick cancer's butt." Jacob Salmon, of east Hull, suffers from acute lymphoblastic leukaemia – a rapidly progressive cancer. He has had chemotherapy and surgery and is taking steroids to help him stay alive. But despite being in almost constant pain, Jacob has not once complained about his illness.

Jacob, who turned six last month, said: "I know what I am fighting. "It hurts sometimes but I am not scared of it. "I will kick cancer's butt." His mother Joanne Salmon said, despite the devastating diagnosis, Jacob is determined to beat cancer. After the leukaemia was discovered nine months ago, Jacob had two months of intensive treatment at Sheffield Children's Hospital. Miss Salmon, 43, said: "It was the most terrible time. Jacob was fighting for his life in a hospital bed and he stopped breathing three times. "Each time I thought it was over and each time I thought it was goodbye. "But he is an unbelievable fighter and he is still fighting now." Since the cancer was discovered, Jacob has had 500 hospital procedures including chemotherapy sessions, lumbar punctures and blood transfusions. He was diagnosed with the disease after complaining of stiff legs and chapped lips. Miss Salmon now wants other parents to be aware of the symptoms. She said: "I remember one day Jacob was fine and the next, he had chapped lips and stiff legs. He was complaining and he was lethargic. "I thought he was messing about to be honest, but I dragged him to the doctors. "The next thing I remember is being referred to Sheffield Children's Hospital and receiving the devastating news that my beloved little boy had cancer. "You think it will never happen to you, but it can. "And when it does it is the most devastating news in the world. Everything around me disappeared – our lives had fallen apart in the space of a few days. "I almost didn't take Jacob to hospital but I am so glad I did because he may not be here today otherwise. "I would urge all parents, if they are having any problems with their child's health, to get to a doctor. "You cannot be too careful." The diagnosis meant Jacob was unable to start his first year at Ings Primary School. He will instead join the school next month, when he will spend one hour a day in classes. Miss Salmon said the intensive treatments, which have led to him losing his blonde hair five times, have been tough on her young son. He is still facing three more years of treatment to defeat the disease completely. She said: "Jacob's body has been struggling to take the huge amounts of steroids in recent weeks and that puts all his treatment back. "But we will get through this. We have a long road ahead of us but losing is not an option. "It is tough and if I need to cry I will always do it away from Jacob. "But we cannot give up after coming this far. We will win."

'I'm going to kick cancer's butt!' Bravery of Hull boy Jacob Salmon, 6, who stopped breathing three times as he battled illness

TWO thieves broke into a woman's house and stole her car because they had missed their last train home. Kieran Hepworth and Joseph Milne crashed the car down a dirt track after a high-speed police chase. Hepworth, 24, and Milne, 18, had been at a party in Goole when they missed the last train home. They decided to hitchhike, but only got as far as Swinefleet, when they came across Fiona Burnley's Mercedes parked opposite her home in High Street. Prosecuting at Hull Crown Court, Helen Wheatley said: "At 4am, she and her partner were woken by the dogs barking, which was not unusual, so they went back to sleep. "But later, they were woken by the police who informed them they had been burgled and the car had been taken." The alarm was raised with the police at about 4.30am by a member of the public who saw the Mercedes being driven erratically. Ms Wheatley said: "The police started to pursue the vehicle, which took off at speed. They lost sight of it when they went off a dirt track. "But they then saw smoke coming from a drainage point and saw the vehicle had crashed and the two defendants emerging from the vehicle." As well as the car keys and car, Hepworth and Milne also stole a laptop, a handbag, a purse and £35. The car was a write-off. Both men were then taken to Clough Road police station in Hull and tested for drugs. Milne, who has a previous conviction for robbery, was high on opiates. Hepworth, who has 46 previous convictions including for vehicle theft, burglary and robbery, had taken cocaine. In mitigation for Hepworth, who was driving the car, Vincent Blake-Barnard said: "The defendant had been socialising in Goole. "They had missed their last train back. He was in a secure relationship, and still is, and his intention was to get home to her. "He was heading back to Swinefleet with the intention of hitchhiking but when he got to the main road, clearly misunderstanding the length, came across this property, which was not secure. "It was purely opportunistic." In mitigation for Milne, who suffered a broken ankle in the crash, Catherine Goddard said: "His pre-sentence report makes sorry reading. He is a young man with problems, but he is not yet so committed to a life of crime that there is no real hope for him, but then, he doesn't seem to be committing to anything. "He can barely read and write. He left school with no qualifications and has little sense of motivation or ambition, but he does occasionally dream. "This young man was a passenger in the car. He has had plenty of time to reflect upon what has happened, the consequences of his behaviour for the victims and his family." Hepworth, of Castleford, and Milne, of Doncaster, admitted burgling the house on July 9 and aggravated vehicle taking. Judge Simon Jack jailed Hepworth for 16 months and sentenced Milne to 12 months in a young offenders' institution. Judge Jack said: "Burglary is a serious offence, more so when it is at night, when the occupants are in bed. "Kieran Hepworth, you have an abysmal record. "Joseph Milne, you are much younger. It is clear you are a young man with difficulties and I have the clear impression you are easily led. "If you were on your own, you would not have committed this offence." Both were banned from driving for a year.

Pair on night out stole Mercedes after missing train home and crashed it after police chase, Hull Crown Court hears

RETAILERS in Holderness Road are upset that the plans for a new retail park have been put on hold. Businesses say the decision to abandon plans to develop land opposite the existing Mount Pleasant Retail Park has threatened regeneration in the area. Developer Dransfield Properties blamed the tight restrictions placed on it by Hull City Council's planning officers as the reason for halting development. Dave Pacey, owner of Hems Sew Soon, which is close to the proposed site, had hoped the development would regenerate the area. He said: "It's a big blow for the east of Hull. "I think it would have brought new visitors to east Hull, which would have benefited all the shops on Holderness Road. "I have been here nine years now and since I arrived I have seen the footfall go down and down. "Something needs to be done to stop that trend – it's time to develop Holderness Road." Although small retailers feel the decision is bad news, the larger chain stores are breathing a sigh of relief. The development was expected to be anchored by a B&M Bargains store. Joe Murphy, store manager at Mount Pleasant Asda, was surprised by the news. He said: "It's always disappointing to hear that new retail outlets will not be coming to the area. "I'm sure local independent retailers will suffer. "But, to be honest, it's probably good news for us because B&M Bargains are a major competitor and we would have expected a lot of our trade to go to them." Mr Pacey said: "It's sad for traders down here that we seem to be getting left behind. "This development would have done a lot for us. "It's ridiculous. I think the council have let us down. They don't have the same aspirations as Hull citizens." Mr Pacey is also concerned about the repercussions of leaving the land empty. He said: "What I'm really concerned about is what will happen if any travellers get on the site. "The land is just sitting there now and if they set up camp it will be hard to get rid of them." Drypool's Liberal Democrat councillor Adam Williams said he was equally disappointed when he heard Dransfield's announcement. "The development would be a big boost for the area," he said. "It would rejuvenate that part of east Hull, making good use of disused land, and create a lot of jobs."

'A big blow to East Hull': Traders' disappointment as new Holderness Road retail park put on hold

THREE former servicemen from East Yorkshire who were jailed in India have been banned from leaving the country - despite charges against them being dropped. Nicholas Simpson, of Cottingham, Paul Towers, of Pocklington, and Ray Tindall, formerly from Hull, were among six former British soldiers jailed in October last year. The men, who formed part of the crew of a US-owned anti-pirate vessel that strayed into Indian waters, were arrested on weapons charges. Despite being told by a court in India last month that all the charges had been dropped, the police held onto their passports while a decision was made as to whether or not to appeal. Now, it has been reported in the Indian media the police will appeal to the Supreme Court, with the men unable to leave the country until the end of the case. Carole Edmonds, the mother of married father-of-three Mr Tindall, said: "I'm just sick of it all and just want Ray home. "We are all getting desperate now."

Pirate patrol ex-soldiers from East Yorkshire trapped in India, despite charges being dropped

TWO horses were found roaming the streets of west Hull this morning. The animals were seen heading towards Spring Bank West from Brooklands Road, just before 6.30am. Humberside Police and RSPCA officers were called and the animals were finally brought under control and tethered by 8am. There were no reports of any accidents or injuries and the road remained open.

Horses on the loose in Spring Bank West, Hull

A WAR of words between the region's two councils ramped up a gear today with the East Riding accusing Hull of mounting a "hostile takeover" in parts of its area. The latest salvo from County Hall was revealed in a letter from East Riding Council leader Stephen Parnaby and chief executive Nigel Pearson. They wrote to researchers assisting an independent review commissioned by Hull, which is examining council boundary and governance options. Last week the city council published a lengthy statement on its website about the review. In it, Hull says the East Riding had twice been invited to "participate" but had failed to either respond to or even acknowledge the approaches. In their letter, Cllr Parnaby and Mr Pearson maintain their authority had no record of any communications on the matter. However, having subsequently obtained copies of the two emails sent by the researchers, they say the offer amounts to the East Riding having the role of an "observer" at meetings of the commission. They said: "It is clear from our proposed observer status that we will not be able to influence the recommendations of the commission and the offer appears to place a veneer of balance upon what is essentially a one-sided Hull-centric process." Cllr Parnaby and Mr Pearson also criticise the way the review was instigated by Hull. They said: "While we do not question the integrity of any members of the commission, we are concerned that the commission is being used to lend credibility to a review process which has been fundamentally flawed from the outset and is being driven for what appears to be mainly political purposes. "At no point has the commission or the city council taken into account the very clear views of the elected members of this authority." East Riding councillors have already voted to oppose any boundary changes. They have given the go-ahead for a referendum on the issue next month, which will involve 70,000 households. Cllr Parnaby and Mr Pearson said any contested attempt to redraw the political map of the area would be frowned on by the Local Government Boundary Commission for England, making it unlikely that any official review would ever happen. They said: "The unanimous resolution of our elected members means it is a pointless exercise for the commission to examine any of the options which involve combining the two councils into one or in expanding the city council's boundaries. We have concluded the city council's actions represent a hostile bid to take over parts of the East Riding." City council leader Councillor Steve Brady said: "Evidence is being sought from a wide range of national and regional organisations and experts, including East Riding Council. "I am disappointed that the East Riding have declined the offer to be involved, as the aim of this inquiry is to look at how the wider area can benefit economically by working together for inward investment. "The commission is fully independent and supported by the Institute of Local Government Studies, an academic centre for research and teaching on local governance and public service management."

Hull boundary change bid a 'hostile takeover' of parts of East Riding, says council

An update of people convicted and sentenced in the courts in Hull and the East Riding.

Darren Leach, 29, of Brandsby Grove, east Hull, was jailed for four months for assault, possessing cannabis, using threatening words, destroying a window and rabbit cage and for resisting PC Michael Saul and Ruth Locket in their duty, while serving a suspended sentence.

Meridijus Bagdonas, 29, of Fraisthorpe, north Hull, was banned from driving for six months for driving without a licence or insurance. She was also fined £600 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £60 victim surcharge.

Thomas Bennett, 24, of Green Road, Hedon, was given six points on his licence for driving without insurance. He was also fined £140 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £20 victim surcharge.

Nicholas Bouston, 37, of Ings Lane, Keyingham, was given three points on his licence for driving without due care and attention. He was also fined £200 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £20 victim surcharge.

Daniel Edwards, 26, of Garrowby Walk, west Hull, was fined £200 for cycling along the footpath. He was ordered to pay £85 costs and a £20 victim surcharge.

Tammy George, 36, of Douglas Road, east Hull, was given six points on her licence for driving without insurance. She was also fined £400 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £40 victim surcharge.

Bartosz Grabowski, 28, of Wellstead Street, west Hull, was given four points on his licence for exceeding the 40mph speed limit. He was also fined £180 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £20 victim surcharge.

Lee Mitchell, 44, of Landing Lane, Newport, Brough, was given three points on his licence for driving without due care and attention. He was also fined £170 and must pay £85 costs and a £20 victim surcharge.

Hull court listings: Find out who has been sentenced (August 18, 2014)

Police have launched an appeal after a man suffered serious head injuries when he was punched in the face by a cyclist in east Hull. The man, 29, began speaking to two male cyclists in Preston Road, near the junction with Southcoates Avenue, at around 10.10pm on August 7. One of the men then punched him, knocking him to the ground. The same man then assaulted him while he was on the floor. The victim suffered serious head injuries and was treated at Hull Royal Infirmary, but has since been discharged. Police now want to hear from any witnesses, particularly a woman who joined the group shortly before the assault. Anyone with information should call 101.

Man suffers serious head injuries after being punched to the ground in Preston Road attack

A VISIBLY deflated Lee Radford lambasted his players' honesty, uggesting they'd tried to 'cheat' their way into the top eight with a display not worthy of a season-defining game. Hull crashed 34-28 to Bradford Bulls, serving up a performance in stark contrast to their last two matches as the lack of consistency which has blighted their campaign again raised its ugly head. Radford's men had started well and taken a 12-point lead, but proceeded to crumble in the swirling wind at Odsal as their already slim play-off hopes were blown away by a Bulls team which belied their position as an already-relegated side. Angered by the performance of his players, Radford admitted Hull's remote chances of a top-eight finish are now over. "Our season hung on that result and at half-time and full-time I said we are where we are for a reason," said Radford. "When you play with that much energy and your season depends on it, you simply will not make the top eight. "Honesty was the issue. I wouldn't say it's a problem with us, but that can be a real big factor in our sport. "If you don't put an honest performance in everyone can see it, and it is there for everyone to see. "You'll cheat your way into the top eight if you get in after performances like that. "That's the season done. For me now we've got a derby to play for – and hopefully we can play how Bradford have done today – with no pressure and hopefully that will spike a reaction out of us. "After this game it's done and dusted in terms of the top eight." Hull go into the two-week break before the derby lying five points off Catalans and Widnes, who currently occupy seventh and eighth place. Sitting 12th in the table with Wakefield, Salford and Hull KR also ahead of them in the contest for the two remaining play-off positions, Hull's chances are now miniscule, with even the most optimistic of supporters conceding the campaign is over. Having started the game against the Bulls brightly, thanks to tries for Jamie Shaul and Gareth Ellis, the visitors spurned numerous chances to assert their authority. It allowed the Bulls back into the game and FC proceeded to fall apart in the second half, much to Radford's chagrin. "We should have been more ruthless in that first 25 minutes," he said. "Coaches and players use that word a lot, but we had ample opportunities and ample chances in the first half hour to put the result out of sight, but we simply chose not to," added Radford. "I think after 25 minutes they were ready to lay down for us, but we just kept feeding them a little bit of ball and a little bit of an opportunity. "We put a lovely kick in from dummy-half and put them in the pocket where we wanted – then we go and give away a penalty to let them off the hook. "Then in the set after it's exactly the same, we invited them into our house, let them sit on our couch, grab our remote and watch the TV. "It was discipline that was the issue, some of our passes we threw astray were on breaks which is also disappointing. Westy threw one away after making a break, and Richard Whiting threw one straight to Luke Gale – and he sent him a Christmas card in return. "We weren't honest in our performance, and we simply haven't turned up."

Hull FC coach Lee Radford blasts players' 'honesty' after Bradford Bulls defeat and admits season is over

Our daily blog with the latest news, transfer rumours and gossip about Hull City in the Premier League.Like HDM Sport on Facebook or follow us on Twitter. STEVE Bruce may have to reinvest just under half of the £12m pocketed from Shane Long's sale to Southampton if he wants to sign Bayer Leverkusen's Philipp Wollschied.

The German defender has been slapped with a £5.15m price tag according to today's The Sun, although he could also be available on a season-long loan. The Tigers' move for the 25-year-old has apparently been stepped up after QPR looked set to seal the deal for Tottenham skipper Michael Dawson. Harry Redknapp identified the need to strengthen his side following their 1-0 opening day defeat to the Tigers. And with Dawson looking nailed on to remain down south, City could turn their attentions elsewhere, and away from British shores.Cork's Lenihan tipped for Tigers in near future CORK City full-back Brian Lenihan will play two more matches for his club before his successful move to Hull City, sources in Ireland say. Cork face Bray Wanderers and Bohemians before the end of the week, so Tigers fans can expect a new signing through the door well before the closure of the transfer window on September 1. However, it could take more than £130,000 to land the 20-year-old after that offer from Crystal Palace was rejected earlier this month.

Sources say #Cork City FC will have Brian Lenihan for 2 more matches this wk (bray wand & bohemians) b4 his successful move to Hull City
— David O'Sullivan (@David_OSullivan) August 17, 2014

Wickham on Palace radar and Poyet warns clubs off players RUMOURS are always rife when a Sunderland player becomes linked with a move away from Wearside, with Steve Bruce almost instantly touted to 'raid' his former club. With money to spend, Connor Wickham has emerged as a potential transfer target for City to solve their striker problems. However, managerless Crystal Palace have upped their game and are ready to offer Glenn Murray plus £6m cash for the Black Cats' striker, according to The Mirror. Eagles supremo Steve Parish and director of football Iain Moody are working on the deal and hope to tempt Black Cats manager Gus Poyet. However, he has insisted Sunderland will NOT welcome any bids over the final fortnight of the transfer window for either Wickham or Steven Fletcher– another player City were linked with last week, but later dismissed. Both players completed 90 minutes in Sunderland's opening day draw at West Brom on Saturday, yet the pair have both been the subject of transfer speculation. "They're staying!" Poyet told the Shields Gazette. "I'm a big believer that we need to stop the transfer window on the last day before we start the season. "I can go to West Brom and (Saidho) Berahino, who scored against us, could be playing for us tomorrow. It's not right. I'm sorry, but it's not right. "Sometime you can take a player from a team that is going to be competing with you. I don't like it. But it's the way it is and we are all the same. "In the next couple of weeks, as soon as I get a phone call from the chief executive, I don't want to answer! I don't want any offers."Chester in Team of the WeekJAMES Chester can be celebrating this week after clinching the winner at Loftus Road – and being named in BBC pundit Garth Crooks' team of the week. "An outstanding performance from James Chester in the 1-0 win over QPR although referee Craig Pawson tried to spoil it," Crooks wrote on his online blog. "The referee's insistence that Chester hand-balled in the latter stages was unjustified. "Earlier on, the defender lost Rio Ferdinand on the set-piece to score and cap a fine performance that gives manager Steve Bruce a great start. "Did you know? Chester made a league-high three blocks."Amalfitano settles for West Ham DESPITE watching Hull City's win at QPR on the weekend, Marseille midfielder Morgan Amalfitano is expected to have talks with West Ham this week after the clubs agreed a £2m deal, The Sun say. It did add fuel to the fire that either QPR or the Tigers were set to swoop in at the last minute, but it appears Amalfitano just fancied one last look at what could've been before putting pen to paper with the Hammers.Stoke hope Moses can be a threat AND finally, early news from the Stoke camp ahead of their visit on Sunday to the KC Stadium, Mark Hughes will fast-track new signing Victor Moses into his first-team plans after being left smarting by their opening-day loss to Aston Villa. Moses completed his season-long loan from Chelsea over the weekend and now has a week's training to force himself into Sunday's starting 11 at the Tigers. "We're pleased we've been able to get him in," Hughes told the Stoke Sentinel, "and that's probably all our business done now. "We feel he's a player that can give us power and give us pace and we've probably lacked that a bit. "Obviously, we were chasing different targets, but they weren't possible, and to have the option of Victor Moses is great because we didn't think we would have that opportunity."

Hull City transfer talk: Bayer Leverkusen’s Philipp Wollschied, Brian Lenihan, Connor Wickham, James Chester and Morgan Amalfitano

Pundit Peter Swan says use of full Hull City squad is needed to preserve players as Tigers head to Belgium for Europa League tie. STEVE Bruce's side will surely travel to Lokeren in good spirits for their Europa League game on Thursday. I would assume Bruce will stick to his favoured 3-5-2 formation, but as far as personnel are concerned, I think it will be all change.

I might be wrong – I've been wrong before – but I'd be very surprised if any more than four or five players from Saturday's victory over QPR make the starting line-up in Belgium. That's not because they didn't play well, it's because Bruce will want to balance his resources. While he's likely to field a settled side in the Premier League, which is City's bread and butter, he'll surely use the Europa League and League Cups as a chance to give other players a chance. With Yannick Sagbo available on Thursday – he was suspended for the QPR clash – he's sure to feature, as will Sone Aluko. Then there's the likes of George Boyd, Robbie Brady, Maynor Figueroa and Harry Maguire who saw no match action on Saturday, plus David Meyler, who was a very late substitute. Perhaps Stephen Quinn will also get another run-out, after impressing as a substitute for the injured Robert Snodgrass, while Paul McShane will benefit from more game time. Quinn has been linked with a move away from the KC Stadium to the likes of Leicester or Wigan. On Saturday, though, he showed his worth with a real terrier-like performance, just as he did last season. I think Quinn still has an important role to play, but I'm not sure he will see game time week in, week out if the Tigers have a fully-fit squad. He might prefer to go elsewhere for regular football. Whether Bruce will let him go just yet is open to debate, given his performance on Saturday, Snodgrass' injury absence and the fact City are fighting for success on four fronts this season.

Steve Bruce will ring Hull City changes for Lokeren clash - Peter Swan

A MISSING Bransholme man has been found safe and well. Police had become concerned for the welfare of Mark Reeves, 36, after he went missing from his Sandford Close home last Thursday. He had not been seen since leaving to go shopping at 9am. However, he was found safe and well on Saturday by police. A Humberside Police spokesman said: "Police would like to thank the media and the public for their assistance."

Missing Bransholme man Mark Reeves found safe